Everyone must have been stung or bitten by an insect. Insect stings and bites are very painful and bother the sufferer. Learn how to treat insect bites or stings to relieve pain and heal wounds quickly.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Insect Stings
Step 1. Move away from the insect attack area
Before treating your wound, go to a safe place, away from where you were stung. Check where and how many times you have been stung.
Get out of the area as soon and as quietly as possible
Step 2. Remove the stinger from the skin
Use a fingernail or a credit card to carefully remove the insect sting from the skin. Do not use tweezers as the venom remaining in the stinger will be squeezed into the wound.
- Stingers generally have small spines that can stick into the skin.
- Wasps don't leave a stinger on the skin.
Step 3. Clean your wound
Wash the wound gently with soap and water. Thus, the risk of infection will be reduced because the bacteria in the wound has been reduced.
Clean the wound area gently to prevent the wound from getting worse
Step 4. Treat your wound
Apply an antihistamine cream (antihistamine) to the sting area. Use a cold compress or an ice pack on the sting area to relieve insect stings.
- Do not scratch the sting wound to prevent irritation of the wound.
- Apply hydrocortisone cream or ointment to the sting area twice a day for several days. If the wound area is very itchy or swollen, take an antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. Do not use oral medications and topical antihistamines at the same time.
- Use pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen to reduce pain.
- Wet with cold water. Add one tablespoon of baking soda per 250 ml of water.
Step 5. Know the symptoms of insect stings
Swollen, itchy, or painful stings are normal reactions to insect stings. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, hives, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Normal reactions will be disturbing but not life-threatening.
- Severe symptoms require immediate medical care.
Step 6. Monitor the sting wound closely
Notice if the sting wound shows signs of getting worse. See your doctor right away if you notice symptoms getting worse or if you have an infection.
- Symptoms of infection include: increased redness of the wound, swelling or pain, blistering or drying of the wound area, or redness that spreads or extends from the sting wound
- Pay special attention to your neck and mouth. Swelling may result in a lack of air and immediate medical attention.
Method 2 of 3: Controlling Allergic Reactions
Step 1. Visit a doctor or allergist
Ask your doctor for an allergic reaction to insect stings. From the information obtained you will be able to monitor and control insect stings in the future.
Step 2. Use an EpiPen (epinephrine pen or epinephrine pen) if you have a severe allergic reaction
The EpiPen will stop life-threatening symptoms immediately. Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions when using epinephrine.
- EpiPen can only be prescribed by a doctor.
- Ask your doctor if you need an EpiPen.
- People with severe allergies should always carry an EpiPen with them when traveling.
- Use an EpiPen and visit the ER immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: tightness in the chest, swollen lips, shortness of breath, hives, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, confusion, or racing heart, difficulty breathing.
Step 3. Use an antihistamine to treat mild allergy symptoms
Symptoms of insect stings that are not life-threatening, such as swelling, itching, or redness, can be treated with antihistamines.
Use as directed
Step 4. Give first aid to people with severe allergy symptoms
If you find someone else having a severe reaction to an insect sting, act as soon as possible. Follow these steps to provide first aid:
- Ask if the patient has an EpiPen, if needed, and how to use it.
- Loosen clothes that seem too tight.
- If the patient is vomiting or bleeding through the mouth, adjust the patient's body position so that he lies on his side.
- Make sure the stung area does not move and is located lower than the heart so that the poison does not spread quickly.
- If you are trained to perform CPR, call an ambulance immediately and administer CPR if the person is not breathing or responding.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Insect Stings
Step 1. Wear long sleeves
Cover both arms with clothing to reduce the area that could be exposed to the sting. The fabric of the shirt will provide some protection, although most insect stings can still penetrate the fabric.
Step 2. Avoid light colored clothes and strong smelling perfumes
Lightly colored clothes and a strong perfume smell will attract insects. Wear neutral colors and don't use perfume when you're outdoors.
Insect repellent spray can help prevent insect stings. However, this repellent is not strong enough to repel insects that are angry because their nests are disturbed
Step 3. Beware
When walking outdoors, be aware of insect nests that may be hanging from trees or emerging from the ground. Pay attention to areas of the ground where you can see insects gathering or flying around.
- If you see danger, get out of there immediately.
- Insects will attack if their nest is disturbed.
- Call a professional to remove the danger of wasps, bees, or other stinging insects.
Tips
Always carry an EpiPen with you if you are allergic to insect stings or bites
Warning
- Any abnormal reactions (other than occasional itching or swelling with pain at the sting area) should be reported to a doctor immediately.
- Call the ER immediately and use an EpiPen if you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swollen lips, eyelids and throat, dizziness, loss of consciousness or confusion, racing heart, hives, nausea, cramps, or vomiting., or if children are bitten by a scorpion.
- Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age.
